Chapter 6: Choices

The next morning, Marcus woke up feeling more determined than ever. He had spent the past few weeks tirelessly studying the materials suggested by the "Voyage" app, and his progress was undeniable. Concepts that had once seemed insurmountable now came to him with ease. He felt a newfound confidence in his abilities.

After a quick breakfast with his family, he returned to his room and opened the app, ready to tackle the next set of challenges. The sleek interface greeted him as usual, and a new notification awaited.

Congratulations, Marcus. You have completed the recommended materials. Your progress is commendable. It is time to advance to the next level.

Marcus's heart raced with excitement. He tapped on the notification, and the app displayed a new list of materials, this time labeled as college-level coursework.

To continue your journey, please study the following college-level textbooks and materials:

1. "Introduction to Algorithms" by Thomas H. Cormen

2. "Discrete Mathematics and Its Applications" by Kenneth H. Rosen

3. "Computer Systems: A Programmer's Perspective" by Randal E. Bryant and David R. O'Hallaron

4. "Artificial Intelligence: A Modern Approach" by Stuart Russell and Peter Norvig

5. "Database System Concepts" by Abraham Silberschatz, Henry F. Korth, and S. Sudarshan

Marcus's excitement was tempered by a realization. While he could attempt to study these advanced materials on his own, he knew that without the structured guidance and resources of a college education, his progress would be limited.

He sighed and set the tablet aside. It was clear that he needed to plan his next steps carefully. His high school grades were decent but not stellar, so he needed to find a computer science program that was within his reach.

Opening his laptop, Marcus began his search. He looked up colleges and universities with strong computer science programs, focusing on those with admissions criteria he could meet. As he scrolled through the options, he made a list of potential schools.

Several local colleges caught his eye. They offered solid computer science programs and had admissions requirements that seemed attainable given his current academic standing. Marcus jotted down notes about each one, including their application deadlines and any specific requirements.

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After a couple of hours of research, Marcus had a shortlist of schools he wanted to apply to:

1. State University – Known for its strong engineering department and robust computer science curriculum.

2. Community College – Offered a well-respected associate degree in computer science with the option to transfer to a four-year university.

3. City Tech College – Had a reputation for hands-on learning and industry connections, which appealed to Marcus's practical mindset.

4. Tech Valley Institute – A smaller institution but with a focus on innovation and cutting-edge technology courses.

5. Zenith Tech Academy – A newly introduced college sponsored by a giant tech company, offering state-of-the-art facilities, well-established professors, and job opportunities within the sponsoring company itself.

Despite being new, it had potential and was an attractive option for Marcus. Many were apprehensive about risking their futures on an untested college, which meant competition might be lower. This college for reasons unknown attracted him the most

Feeling more organized and hopeful about his future, Marcus decided to take a break. He headed downstairs to grab a snack and think about his plan.

At lunch, he shared his thoughts with his parents. "I've been looking into some colleges with good computer science programs," he said. "I think I've found a few that could be a good fit."

His mother smiled. "That's great, Marcus! Which ones are you considering?"

He listed the schools he had researched, explaining the pros and cons of each. When he mentioned Zenith Tech Academy, his parents exchanged curious glances.

"Zenith Tech Academy sounds interesting," his father said. "I've heard about their partnership with that big tech company. It could be a great opportunity, even if it is a bit of a risk."

Marcus nodded. "Yeah, that's what I was thinking. The facilities and professors seem top-notch, and the job opportunities within the company are a huge draw."

His mother beamed. "Those all sound like solid choices. Have you thought about how you'll approach your applications?"

"Yeah," Marcus replied. "I'm going to start working on them this weekend. I want to make sure I have everything in order before the deadlines."

His parents exchanged a proud glance. "We're really proud of you, Marcus," his mother said. "You've come a long way."

"Thanks, Mom," he said, feeling a warmth spread through him.

After lunch, Marcus headed back to his room. He felt a renewed sense of purpose. His immediate goal was clear: get into a college with a strong computer science program where he could continue to develop his skills.

As he opened his laptop to start working on his applications, his gaze drifted to the tablet with the "Voyage" app. A shiver ran down his spine as he remembered the app's uncanny ability to track his actions. He couldn't shake the feeling that he was being watched.

He shook his head, trying to dispel the paranoia. "It's just an app," he muttered to himself. "No need to get freaked out."

With a deep breath, he opened the app again. The interface was as sleek and inviting as ever, but he couldn't shake the feeling of being observed. He quickly navigated away from it and decided to focus on his college applications instead.

The hours flew by as Marcus worked on his applications, crafting personal statements and gathering his academic records. He poured his heart into his essays, explaining his newfound passion for computer science and his desire to make a difference in the field.

By the time he finished, the sun had set, and his room was bathed in the soft glow of his desk lamp. He leaned back in his chair, feeling a sense of accomplishment. He had taken another important step toward his future.

As he prepared for bed, Marcus couldn't help but think about the "Voyage" app and the journey it had set him on. The mysteries surrounding it were still unresolved, but for now, he was focused on the tangible goals ahead.

He lay in bed, his mind buzzing with possibilities. Whatever challenges lay ahead, he knew he was ready to face them. With the support of his family and his own determination, Marcus felt confident that he could figure out what the app was and where it came from.